I have two hardtails, both Cotic - a BFe and a Soul. Both are excellent bikes, handle really well and do everything I need. The BFe is a hoot, loves to be thrashed about and I don't miss rear suspension (having come from mega travel DH bikes when I was younger). The Soul is a more laid back XC bike but still loves the single track. My BFe cost me around £2,300 a few years ago to build from a mix of new/old parts. I bought the Soul used, again good spec, for about £750. Worth a look IMO. I'd have a look on the used market - if it has provenance to avoid anything dodgy, you could pick up a cracking hardtail for £1k-1.5k.